Then: The Earlier Years

Then: The Earlier Years is an album by They Might Be Giants, released in 1997. A whimsical journey through eclectic sounds and quirky lyrics that embodies the band's inventive spirit. This album is significant for its comprehensive collection of early tracks, contributing to They Might Be Giants' legacy within alternative rock and geek culture. Tracks like 'Ana Ng' and 'Don't Let's Start' received critical acclaim, helping to solidify their influence on subsequent indie and alternative artists. The compilation also highlights the band's playful approach to music, paving the way for future experimentation in their discography. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

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Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

• 1 Everything Right Is Wrong Again 2:22
• 2 Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head Standout 2:14
• 3 Number Three 1:29
• 4 Don’t Let’s Start 2:37
• 5 Hide Away Folk Family 3:23
• 6 32 Footsteps 1:37
• 7 Toddler Hiway 0:27
• 8 Rabid Child 1:33
• 9 Nothing’s Gonna Change My Clothes 2:00
• 10 (She Was a) Hotel Detective 2:12
• 11 She’s an Angel 2:39
• 12 Youth Culture Killed My Dog 2:53
• 13 Boat of Car 1:17
• 14 Absolutely Bill’s Mood 2:40
• 15 Chess Piece Face 1:23
• 16 Hope That I Get Old Before I Die 2:00
• 17 Alienation’s for the Rich 2:27
• 18 The Day 1:29
• 19 Rhythm Section Want Ad 2:24
• 20 We’re the Replacements 1:52
• 21 When It Rains It Snows 1:35
• 22 The Famous Polka 1:35
• 23 [untitled] 2:35
• 24 For Science 1:21
• 25 The Biggest One 1:24
• 26 Kiss Me, Son of God (alternate version) 1:51
• 27 Mr. Klaw 1:21
• 28 Critic Intro 1:39
• 29 Now That I Have Everything 2:22
• 30 Mainstream U.S.A. 1:17
• 31 Fake Out in Buenos Aires 1:50
• 32 Greek #3 1:31
• 33 Hope That I Get Old Before I Die (original version) 1:14
• 34 I’m Def 1:10
• 35 Don’t Let’s Start (demo version) 1:16
• 36 ’85 Radio Special Thank You 1:25

Disc 2

• 1 Ana Ng Standout 3:23
• 2 Cowtown 2:21
• 3 Lie Still, Little Bottle 2:06
• 4 Purple Toupee 2:40
• 5 Cage & Aquarium 1:10
• 6 Where Your Eyes Don’t Go 3:06
• 7 Piece of Dirt 2:00
• 8 Mr. Me 1:52
• 9 Pencil Rain 2:42
• 10 The World’s Address 2:24
• 11 I’ve Got a Match 2:36
• 12 Santa’s Beard 1:55
• 13 You’ll Miss Me 1:53
• 14 They’ll Need a Crane 2:33
• 15 Shoehorn With Teeth 1:13
• 16 Stand on Your Own Head 1:16
• 17 Snowball in Hell 2:31
• 18 Kiss Me, Son of God 1:54
• 19 Hello Radio 0:55
• 20 It’s Not My Birthday 1:52
• 21 I’ll Sink Manhattan 2:32
• 22 Nightgown of the Sullen Moon 1:59
• 23 The World’s Address (Joshua Fried remix) 5:42
• 24 Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal 3:48
• 25 Lady Is a Tramp 1:20
• 26 Birds Fly 1:25
• 27 Kitten Intro 1:43
• 28 Weep Day 1:50
• 29 The Big Big Whoredom 1:39
• 30 I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You (adaptation) 1:59
• 31 Become a Robot 1:18
• 32 Which Describes How You’re Feeling 1:24
• 33 Swing Is a Word 0:53
• 34 Doris Cunningham 0:12
• 35 Counterfeit Fake 0:39
• 36 Schoolchildren Singing “Particle Man” 2:05

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What to play next

Listen next

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1998

Go back to

Factory Showroom

1996